Every type of hernia can cause complications. Sometimes the intestine in the hernia sac can be incarcerated (trapped outside of the abdomen). Incarceration leads to decreased blood flow to the herniated intestines and necrosis, which is an indication for emergency surgical treatment.
A hernia, if possible, should be treated before pregnancy. The fetus can put additional pressure on the herniated intestine, thus increasing the risk of incarceration. On the other hand, getting pregnant shortly after treating the hernia is not recommended, also. The increased pressure in the abdominal cavity caused by the fetus can make the hernia appear again. Generally, a person with a treated hernia should avoid increasing of the abdominal pressure for at least one year.
The size of the hernia as well as its location should be taken under consideration when deciding how long the woman should wait before she gets pregnant. The final decision should be left to the surgeon in coordination with the patient and her gynecologist.
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